Employees of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) are preparing for potential strike action as part of a collective bargaining effort led by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). An overwhelming 97% of OPSEU members who voted have approved strike action, with an 86% turnout.
The union has announced that workers will be in a legal strike position starting July 5th.
“LCBO workers don’t want a dry summer; we enjoy being part of Ontarians’ celebrations,” stated Colleen MacLeod, chair of OPSEU’s liquor board employees division bargaining team. “But we cannot stand by while Premier Doug Ford diverts LCBO revenues to big-box and convenience chain CEOs. It’s up to Ford and the LCBO to ensure public services and good jobs are not left behind.”
OPSEU’s demands include the expansion of public retail locations, increased in-house capacity for warehousing and logistics, and the conversion of casual roles to permanent positions.
“We envision a future where the LCBO grows with Ontario,” said OPSEU president JP Hornick. “Expanding public LCBO retail locations and hours could enhance convenience, increase LCBO’s revenues, and create good jobs across the province. Ontarians should not have to endure price-gouging from big-box grocers and convenience chains like Loblaws and Circle K. We must fight for the LCBO and robust public services.”
The union also accused the LCBO of accelerating the expansion of alcohol sales to expedite an election.
In response, the LCBO issued a statement following a conference with OPSEU, refuting the union’s claims regarding wage ranges and reiterating employee benefits. The LCBO criticized the union for not providing written proposals or details of an “alternative model” for beverage alcohol sales and noted that the union was aware of the government’s plan to expand alcohol sales since December 2023.
Addressing the issue of casual employees, the LCBO stated: “An agreement ensures that at least 50% of LCBO’s over 5,700 casual customer service representatives (CSRs) receive more than 1,000 hours of work each year. Casual employees receive 6% vacation pay after six months of service, and those with five years of service and over 1,300 hours worked in the previous year are entitled to benefits, with the option to receive pay in lieu of benefits. All employees can participate in a defined-benefit pension plan, and overtime pay, shift premiums, and other allowances also apply to casual employees.”
The LCBO concluded: “We do not want a strike. OPSEU agreed to our request for a mediator, and we continue to meet with the union at the bargaining table, with negotiations set to continue in July.”
Last month, the LCBO faced criticism from trade body Spirits Canada over a “punitive” multi-million-dollar retroactive tax bill.
